The Tool Desk
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To remove photos from a Mac while keeping them in iCloud, turn off iCloud Photos on that Mac before deleting anything. In Photos, open Photos > Settings > iCloud and deselect iCloud Photos, or use System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos > Sync this Mac. When prompted, choose whether to download a copy or remove local items that are not fully downloaded. The iCloud library stays available to other devices that still use iCloud Photos. Apple’s instructions for using iCloud Photos on Mac describe the process.
Turn off iCloud Photos on this Mac first
Photos in the synced System Photo Library are connected to iCloud. Deleting one there also deletes it from iCloud and from other devices using the same library. To remove photos only from the Mac, disconnect this Mac from iCloud Photos before deleting or reorganizing local files.
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Open Photos and choose Photos > Settings > iCloud. Deselect iCloud Photos. Alternatively, open System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos and turn off Sync this Mac. Labels and their locations can vary with macOS version.
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When asked what to do with photos on the Mac, choose Download to keep a local copy, or Remove from Mac to remove local items that have not been fully downloaded. If you need full-resolution originals locally, download them first and make sure the Mac has enough available storage.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400)- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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Wait for syncing to stop, then verify that this Mac is no longer syncing with iCloud Photos before removing or reorganizing local copies. The iCloud library remains available on other devices that still have iCloud Photos turned on.
Choose the right option for your goal
| Option | What it does on the Mac | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Download | Keeps a Mac copy. Download originals first if you need full-resolution files stored locally. | Keeping a local copy after stopping iCloud Photos sync. |
| Remove from Mac | Removes local items that have not been fully downloaded. | Removing local items while leaving the iCloud library available to other synced devices. |
If you only need to free up Mac storage
You may not need to turn off iCloud Photos. With iCloud Photos still on, choose Optimize Mac Storage in Photos’ iCloud settings. When space is limited, the Mac keeps smaller versions while full-size originals remain in iCloud. The alternative, Download Originals to this Mac, keeps full-size versions in both places. Apple explains these storage options.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Make a separate copy before changing anything
If you want a copy independent of iCloud, download the originals and export them from Photos to Finder or an external storage device before changing settings. An external drive is optional; it is not required to turn off iCloud Photos. Apple’s instructions for exporting photos, videos, and slideshows cover the export process.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat not to confuse with turning off sync on one Mac
Turning off Sync this Mac affects that Mac’s connection to iCloud Photos. It is different from choosing Turn Off and Delete from iCloud, which applies to the account’s iCloud photos and videos. Apple says that account-wide action schedules deletion after 30 days and can be undone during that period. See Apple’s guidance on turning off iCloud Photos before using the account-wide option.
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
If you accidentally delete photos from the synced System Photo Library, check Recently Deleted. Apple says deleted items can be recovered there for 30 days. That recovery window is a safeguard, not a way to clear photos from only the Mac. Apple’s Recently Deleted instructions explain recovery.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #4
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Mac
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